Peru

Santa Cruz Trek in Cordillera Blanca

4 days | 3 nights
Private tour
From On request per person
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Tour Description

Often eclipsed by more famous trails on the busy hiking routes of the South American continent, the Santa Cruz is a trek like no other because of the sheer natural beauty it traverses.

Near the city of Huaraz and at the heart of the Cordillera Blanca, the world's highest tropical mountain range, you will walk in the shadow of Mount Huascarán, Peru's giant rising to 22,205 feet (6,768 m) above sea-level.

The deep ravines watered by numerous torrents, the glacial lakes, and the variety of the vegetation make it a site of spectacular beauty.

The Huascaran National Park, home to incredible wildlife such as the spectacled bear and the Andean condor, counts among the world's natural heritage sites carefully selected by the UNESCO.

The 4-day/3-night Santa Cruz trek may be challenging at times, but it is always rewarding. With spectacular views of deep blue lakes and crystal-clear lagoons, you are bound to feel grateful for your legs as they take you to the impressive height of the Punta Union Pass at 15,616 feet (4,760 m). An incredibly satisfying experience available to most.

Destinations

Peru

Trip at a glance

Visits

Huascaran National Park and Cordillera Blanca: Llanganuco, Ichicocha and Hatuncocha Lagoons, Portachuelo and Punta Union Passes, Huascarán, Pisco, Chopicalqui, Taulliraju, Paria, Rinrihirka, Pucajirca, Caraz, Artensoraju and Alpamayo Peaks

View other "Hiking and Trekking" tours

Trip details

Itinerary

Day 1 DEPARTURE FROM HUARAZ, VAQUERIA, PARIA - HIKING TIME: 4-5 HOURS

Morning

After an early breakfast in your hotel in Huaraz, your driver will pick you up to drive through the northern part of the Callejón de Huaylas and via the city of Yungay to get to the Huascaran National Park. On the way you will pass the beautiful lagoons of Llanganuco and the Portachuelo pass at 15,616 feet (4,760 m) from where you will get spectacular views of Peru´s highest peaks, Huascarán, Pisco and Chopicalqui.

The town of Vaquería at 11,800 feet (3,600 m) is the start of the Santa Cruz trek.

Afternoon

On this first day you will start with a gentle hike uphill to your camp in Paria at 12,700 feet (3,870 m).

Evening

Overnight at the camp site in Paria.

MEALS
  • Lunch included
  • Dinner included

Day 2 PARIA, TAULLIPAMPA - HIKING TIME: 6-7 HOURS

Morning

After breakfast you will get ready for the longest and most challenging day of the trek. Start hiking uphill among quenual trees, endemic to the high altitude of the Andes, before reaching the highest point of the trek, the Punta Union pass at 15,583 feet (4,750 m). From this scenic point of view, take your time to spot the surrounding summits: Taulliraju, Paria, Rinrihirka and Pucajirca.

Afternoon

From this point the hike will go down to your camp in Taullipampa at 13,780 feet (4,200 m) where you will have dinner and rest after this 7-hour walking day.

Evening

Overnight at your camp site in Taullipampa.

MEALS
  • Breakfast included
  • Lunch included
  • Dinner included

Day 3 TAULLIPAMPA, LLAMACORRAL - HIKING TIME: 6-7 HOURS

Morning

After breakfast, you will set out on an uphill track to the viewpoint of the Alpamayo summit. Culminating at 13,950 feet (4,250 m) it is considered to be the most beautiful mountain in the world.

The trail then goes down the valley passing by the lagoons of Ichicocha and Hatuncocha and the snow-capped peaks of Caraz, Artensoraju and Alpamayo in the background.

Afternoon

After your 7-hour walking day you will reach your camp in Llamacorral at 12,335 feet (3,760 m) where you will have dinner and rest.

Evening

Overnight at your camp in Llamacorral.

MEALS
  • Breakfast included
  • Lunch included
  • Dinner included

Day 4 LLAMACORRAL, CASHAPAMPA, HUARAZ - HIKING TIME: 3 HOURS

Morning

After a hearty breakfast, the day will start with a descent down the slopes of the ravine to the town of Cashapampa at 9,515 feet (2,900 m). This last hike will take about 3 hours to complete before getting to the vehicle that will take you to Huaraz.

Afternoon

Dive back to Huaraz amongst impressive scenic views of the cordillera central (3 hours).

MEALS
  • Breakfast included

Services

What's included

Accommodation

Nights
3 camping nights: two-person sleeping tents with mats

Meals

Full board plan
3 breakfasts + 3 box lunches + 3 dinners including hot drinks

Transportation

Car
Private transfer from Huaraz to Vaqueria on day 1 and from Cashapamapa to Huaraz on day 4

Orientation

Guide
Professional English-speaking local mountain guide

Entrance Fees

Entrance to Huascaran National Park

What's not included

  • Domestic flights
  • International flights
  • Breakfast on day 1
  • Lunch and dinner on day 4
  • Sleeping bag
  • Extra porter
  • Travel insurance
  • Extra meals
  • Drinks
  • Tips

Prices


Important notes

People with heart conditions are strongly advised to seek medical advice before booking. 

This tour includes several visits at sites above 10,000 ft (3000 m). To avoid altitude sickness, we strongly advise against any strong physical effort or any alcohol consumption in high-altitude places. 

We strongly recommend you to get a travel insurance policy that covers hiking up to 15,000 feet (4500m) above sea level.

Trekking packing list:

  • 50 liters backpack
  • 15/20 liters backpack
  • hiking shoes
  • hiking poles
  • full length hiking pants
  • hiking shorts
  • waterproof pants (x1)
  • long and short sleeves synthetic tops
  • medium-weight fleece jacket
  • sun hat or cap
  • woolly hat
  • water and windproof parka jacket
  • waterproof gloves
  • hiking socks (1 pair/day)
  • sunblock SPF 50+
  • binoculars
  • flashlight
  • multi-tool knife
  • toilet paper
  • medical kit with: insect repellent, painkillers, anti-inflammatories, diarrhea treatment, band aids, blister plasters, knee braces, personal medication
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